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Abstract

Abstract Understanding the scope of clergy influence is important to the study of American politics. An increase of political interest and action within a community can change public opinion, voter turnout, campaign contributions, and policy formation. Religious leaders can use their influence and the trust of their congregants to peak interest around issues they feel are important, and spark motivation among individual who may not have otherwise become involved. This research attempts to understand why clergy choose the levels of political action that they do, through a comparison of their positions on moral and civic issues.